Reducing your risk of dementia

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Drinking alcoholDrinking alcoholStudies investigating whether alcohol consumption islinked to dementia risk have had mixed results and researchis ongoing. However, very heavy drinking is known tocause alcohol-related dementia, also known as Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome.The best advice at the moment is to only drink alcoholwithin NHS lower-risk guidelines. This means not regularlydrinking more than 3-4 units per day for men, and 2-3 unitsper day for women.1 unit 1.5 units 1 unitHalf a pint (almost300ml) of normalstrength beer,cider or lager (forexample, 3.5% ABV)A small (125ml)glass of wine(12% ABV)A pub measure(25ml) of spiritsFind out more on the NHS change4life website.12 visit: www.alzheimersresearchuk.org
Keeping physically activeKeeping physically activeRegular physical activity can havemany health benefits, includingthe prevention and managementof over 20 chronic conditions,reducing stress and improvingmental wellbeing. It can also helpyou maintain a healthy weight,reducing your risk of type 2diabetes and other conditions.While research is underway toinvestigate a direct effect ofexercise on dementia risk, medicalconditions like high blood pressureand diabetes are known risk factorsfor dementia (see page 16). Therefore staying active maynot only help maintain a healthy body but could haveknock-on benefits for brain health too.Being active needn’t mean going to the gym or poundingthe streets. You are more likely to stick with it if you findactivities that you enjoy. There might be activities youcan take part in with other people, like walking, dancingor cycling. Keeping active with others is a good way toencourage each other and make it a social occasion.There are many ways to build physical activity into yourweekly routine. Just getting off the bus a stop or twoearlier than usual could help you do more walking. It’s alsoimportant to avoid spending long periods sitting down,so try to get up and move around regularly. Any activity isbetter than none!call: 0300 111 5 111 13
Page 1 and 2: Reducing yourrisk of dementia
Page 3 and 4: IntroductionThis booklet is for any
Page 5 and 6: What is a risk factor?What is a ris
Page 7 and 8: Does dementia run in the family?Doe
Page 9 and 10: Smoking and dementiaSmoking and dem
Page 11: Healthy eatingFoods like sausages a
Page 15 and 16: Mental activity and wellbeingin tot
Page 17 and 18: Head injuries and dementiaHead inju
Page 19: Top tips for ahealthy lifestyle:don
Page 22: We are the UK’s leading researchc

Reducing your risk of dementia

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